Beauty

Hair trends: White blond is on our radar

Beauty

Hair trends: White blond is on our radar

Red-hot, gothic black, ombré: Hair colour has run the dye-job gamut—and this list is from the past season alone. The latest shade to take over our tresses is the palest colour of all: white.

On the runway

Edgy and sexy, this attention-grabbing shade is steadily popping up on brunettes everywhere—television, runways and blogs. We first spotted the hair hue on the spring 2011 Balenciaga runway, where models sported super-short white locks. Fast-forward a few seasons later, and Alexander Wang's spring 2014 Balenciaga campaign features Daria Werbowy with slicked-back white hair and a dramatic, dark lip.

On TV

Luis Pacheco, consulting colourist for Clairol, theorizes on the trajectory of the white-hair trend: "I first noticed it a couple of years ago with the popularity of the television series Game Of Thrones." In the HBO drama, Emilia Clarke, the fair-skinned actor who plays Khaleesi, wears a white-blond wig.

"It's also a fantasy colour reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe's glam appearance," says Pacheco. "This look is a throwback, but there's also a harmony between a strong and powerful woman who's feminine."

Who can wear it

As for pulling the look off, Pacheco says there's no age limit. "You just have to have the right attitude. I would recommend it on shorter hair, because dealing with the double process (bleach, then tone) can take its toll."

Along with texture, ensure you have a complementary skin tone. Women with pale, cool skin tones and light eyes—like Amanda Seyfried and Emma Stone—are better candidates for this bold colour. If you have blue, grey, hazel or dark brown eyes and your veins appear blue (not green), this is an indication that your skin tone would be better suited for the white-blond look.

If you prefer to make this transformation at home, all you need is the proper product, says Pacheco. "Read the instructions. Respect the goods and the rules," he says. "For this two-step process, start with the pre-lightening product and then use the toner to counteract the warm tones."

It's a commitment!

This colour choice is bold and a little punk, but it can also look chic when kept short and worn with the right makeup and clothes. Keep your brows two or more shades darker than your hair, and add some colour to your cheeks and lips. Clothing should look clean-cut and a little edgy. (Dark colours complement this hair!)

Luis Pacheco's product recommendation:Clairol Nice 'n Easy Born Blonde, $10.50-$14, will give the most lightening power at home, allowing you to lighten up to seven levels.